Concern over bowel cancer figures
These patients were more likely to be elderly, deprived, have poor general health and more advanced cancers. Fewer breast cancer patients died within a month - just under 1.5 per cent - but those who did had many similar characteristics. Dr David Brewster, of NHS National Services Scotland, said: "Our findings are a reminder that survival after a cancer diagnosis depends on a wide range of factors, and not just the quality of treatment."
Lib Dem health spokesman Ross Finnie said: "We must rid Scotland of social inequalities and raise awareness on how important early diagnosis and treatment are for bowel cancer."